Embracing a Growth Mindset for Lifelong Learning
“I can’t do it.”
“I’m so bad at this.”
“I will never get better at math. It is too hard.”
“I am the worst reader.”
If these are comments you have heard your child utter, this post is for you! Below we discuss the concept of growth mindset, how to cultivate it, and how Your Learning Toolbox can support you and your child in their journey to achieve success.
What is growth mindset?
In recent years, the concept of growth mindset has gained a lot of attention in the field of education. Growth mindset refers to the understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and learning from mistakes. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, where individuals believe that their abilities are set in stone and cannot be changed.
The idea of growth mindset was popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Dweck's research has shown that individuals who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and ultimately achieve greater success in their endeavors.
*Tool for your Toolbox*
Use this sorting activity created by Understood for All, Inc. to help your child distinguish between growth and fixed mindset.
Why is it important to cultivate a growth mindset in children?
Carli Koch, Licensed Psychologist, states the following about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in children.
“For a lot of children, it can be hard to tolerate the frustration of not getting things right. They may perceive challenges as insurmountable and give up before they have even tried. By building a growth mindset, we are prioritizing resilience. Growth mindset is seeing success as achievable through time and effort. This mindset can be developed by focusing on the process of learning, instead of just the outcomes. In doing so, we can help children to build the emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and problem solving skills needed to persevere. We all will experience failures in our lives, but those who are most successful are able to see these failures as learning experiences. Growth mindset work supports children to navigate the world with more confidence and independence, even in the face of challenges.” Carli Koch, Ph.D.
In addition, a growth mindset can help children develop a love of learning and a sense of purpose. When children believe that they can develop their abilities through hard work and dedication, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning and set goals for themselves. This can lead to a sense of purpose and a desire to achieve their full potential.
On the other hand, a fixed mindset can be detrimental to children's development. When children believe that their abilities are fixed, they may be more likely to avoid challenges and give up when faced with setbacks. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of learned helplessness.
*Tool for your Toolbox*
Use this Positive Affirmations and Thoughts chart on a daily basis to model and cultivate a growth mindset for your child. Everyone in the family can use these affirmations to highlight their flexible thinking!
So, how can we cultivate a growth mindset in children?
One important strategy is to focus on the process rather than product. When children are praised for their effort, they learn that hard work and dedication are valued and can lead to success. In contrast, when children are praised for their intelligence or talent, they may develop a fixed mindset and become afraid to take risks or make mistakes.
Another strategy is to encourage children to view mistakes as opportunities for learning. When children understand that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, they are more likely to take risks and try new things. Teachers and parents can help children reflect on their mistakes and think about what they can learn from them.
*Tool for your Toolbox*
Use this sticker chart to highlight moments of growth and overcoming challenges.
Final Takeaways
Cultivating a growth mindset is essential for children's development and success. By embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning, children can develop a love of learning and a sense of purpose. As educators and parents, it is our responsibility to foster a growth mindset in our children and help them reach their full potential.
We at Your Learning Toolbox are here to help! Contact us for additional support and resources to add to your toolbox!
